By Kahlia Livingston
FAIR HOUSING FRIDAYS is a series of informational, interactive webinars hosted by the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO. This year’s guest speakers will share their expertise in various fields that intersect with fair housing issues. Each webinar will be held on the next three Fridays in April between 12p-1p. Feel free to register and to watch the live interview during your lunch break and come with questions. See this year’s schedule and check out our recorded conversations from previous Fair Housing Fridays here.
2026 Fair Housing Friday Webinar Descriptions:
- April 10th, 2026: “Environmental Justice and the Future of Housing Development” – Join us for a discussion with Grace Vinson from the Community Development Program (VCDP). This conversation will look at how the provisions of the Environmental Justice Act are being incorporated into state decision-making and interagency collaboration. Register now!
- April 17th, 2026: “Justice in Practice – A Conversation About Fair Housing Litigation” – Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Attorney Big Hartman, Executive Director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission to discuss what happens when housing discrimination cases land in court. We’ll explore the realities of litigating fair housing complaints- how cases develop, what the process looks like, and what outcomes mean for the people involved. Additionally, we’ll examine how enforcement, accountability, and resolution contribute to civil rights in housing. Attendees will gain insight into legal tools that support fair housing protections and the broader impact these cases can have on communities, policy, and case law. Register now!
- April 24th, 2026: “Beyond the Sale – Ethical Real Estate and the Power of Fair Housing” – Join us for a candid conversation with Jess Bridges, a real estate professional who prioritizes ethics, transparency, and fairness in every transaction. In this webinar, we’ll explore how realtors can actively support fair housing laws while building trust with clients and communities. Through real-world examples and practical insights, our guest will share how ethical practices shape their day-to-day work with buyers and sellers. Whether you’re a housing advocate, service provider, or simply interested in fair housing practices, this discussion will highlight what responsible property professionals can do to promote fairness in the market. Register now!
We look forward to seeing you during Fair Housing Friday!
The April 3 “Stories of Home” Fair Housing Month kick-off event was a huge success, thank you to all that attended and participated! We heard from eight local storytellers who shared impactful narratives about what home means to them. This program was beautifully emceed by Ferene Paris, founder of All Heart Inspirations. You can view the storytelling component of the event here: https://www.youtube.com/live/4N2bmdQuSuQ.
To learn more about upcoming Fair Housing Month events, check out www.fairhousingmonthvt.org and follow our social media: Facebook and Instagram.
CVOEO coordinates April Fair Housing Month activities in collaboration with a statewide network of housing, community, and arts partners, including Vermont Human Rights Commission, Vermont Legal Aid, Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, Vermont Department of Libraries, Housing & Homelessness Alliance of Vermont, Burlington Community & Economic Development Office, A Revolutionary Press, Happy Fantastic Designs , Burlington City Arts, Fletcher Free Library, South Burlington Affordable Housing Committee, and All Heart Inspirations.
2026 activities are made possible through the generous sponsorship of Champlain Housing Trust, Northwest Vermont REALTOR Association, Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, Land Access & Opportunity Board, Vermont State Housing Authority, Burlington Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Let’s Build Homes, Redstone, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, Cathedral Square, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, Evernorth, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Main Street Landing, Vermont Wine Merchants, Prohibition Pig, and Zero Gravity with media sponsorship from Seven Days.
